Congenital Herpes Simplex

Also known as: congenital HSV, neonatal herpes simplex, neonatal HSV.

What is congenital herpes simplex?

It is the condition caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It is the virus that can be transmitted sexually or by direct skin contact and causes genital sores and other symptoms in adults. When the virus is passed to an unborn fetus by the mother, this is known as congenital herpes simplex.

What causes congenital herpes simplex?

The herpes simplex virus is the direct cause of congenital herpes simplex. In most cases, the baby contracts the virus while passing through the birth canal, but it can also occur in the uterus or after birth in some instances.